Edwin Foden Sons & Co Ltd was formed in 1887 and development work commenced on Foden's idea of a superior steam wagon. By1901 a design had been produced which was to set the standard for steam wagons for the next twenty-five years. The company developed successive ranges of highly successful steam wagons. They, and arch-rival Sentinel, practically monopolised the market. The Foden 'C' Type was the final design of the overtype (engine above boiler) Steam Wagon developed from earlier models. This wagon was introduced in the 1920's and had a double crank compound engine which developed 23 B.H.P. at 450 rpm. It was fitted with spur gearing giving speeds up to 16 mph, but special gearing could be ordered which would enable the wagon to achieve 26 mph, double the permited speed limit for such wagons. Edwin Foden died on 31st August 1911, being succeeded by his sons William and E.R. (Later to found ERF). By the late 1920s it was becoming obvious that however excellent the product, steam was giving way to the internal combustion engine, and so a new era of Foden wagons started leaving steam behind. Display stand not included.
